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The Devils decided their future needs the kids more than Brendan Shanahan, the NHL’s leading active career goal scorer.

The Devils told Shanahan he wasn’t going to be among their top nine forwards this season, and the 40-year-old right wing yesterday declared he was leaving the team in what he called a “mutual and amicable” decision.

“Brendan played well. What transpired was the play of our younger players. The decision was made not to wait,” said GM Lou Lamoriello, whose club opens its season tomorrow at home against the Flyers.

“What changed since the summer [when Shanahan was re-signed for $1 million] is the emergence of the younger players.”

Yesterday’s stunner further confirms Niclas Bergfors’ place on the team he led in preseason scoring with five assists. It also means Matt Halischuk will be given a long look, as will Ilkka Pikkarainen, when he returns from injured reserve.

“We have to find out. We all feel they can do it. They’ve shown they can,” Lamoriello said of the youngsters.

Lamoriello would not discuss what would happen to Shanahan’s salary and cap liability if he isn’t dealt or waived, since a “mutual and amicable” separation might not qualify for a retirement cap exemption, even if Shanahan declines salary.

“Basically, he would not have been in our top nine. If he were, a couple of our younger players would not be in the lineup,” Lamoriello said. “This was a very difficult decision because of who Brendan is.

“This decision was something we discussed and sat down [with Shanahan] about. It was not something we made abruptly. It was made over the last couple of days.”

Lamoriello seemed to indicate that he will try to accommodate Shanahan in any decision he makes about his future.

“I have decided not to continue with the New Jersey Devils for my 22nd season,” Shanahan said in a statement. “When I agreed the past summer, Lou Lamoriello, Jacques Lemaire and I agreed that if we were unable to find a suitable fit in which I would be able to compete and contribute at the level I expect from myself, then I would simply step aside.”

Shanahan’s 656 career goals ranks 11th all time, as does his 1,524 NHL games. He was 6-8-14 in 34 games last season with the Devils, with whom he signed on Jan. 15. Drafted second overall in 1987 by the Devils, he jumped to St. Louis as a free agent in 1991, was traded to Hartford for Chris Pronger in 1995, and then in 1996 to Detroit, where he won three Stanley Cups. He signed with the Rangers in 2006 before rejoining the Devils last season.

“I have great respect for Lou, Jacques [Lemaire] and the entire Devils organization. This decision is both mutual and amicable,” Shanahan said. “I am planning to spend the next couple of weeks with my family to reflect on and evaluate my plans for the future.

“Most importantly, I would like to thank my former teammates and wish them the best of luck for this season.”